Discover ways to revamp your sleep routine so you can feel great in the morning

Get Sleep Savvy

Get Sleep Savvy

As you sleep, your body builds up its supply of a hormone called cortisol, which is then released throughout the day to help give you energy. Cortisol levels should be highest in the morning and depleted by nighttime, so you'll get the zzz's you need. Click through to learn how to get the most of your slumber, so you can be ready to move in the morning.

Morning Madness

Morning Madness

You may need a foghorn to get you out of bed, but when you wake in a panicked state, you use up much of that cortisol, which means you'll have less to keep you energized for the rest of the day.

Energy Booster: Consider a smarter wakeup call.

Some alarm clocks use soft sounds or music so you're not jerked alert in a frenzy. Smartphone users, try the Gentle Alarm Clock app (99¢), which lets you choose from a variety of soothing sounds, or the Gentle Alarm app ($3.99), which was developed by a neurologist and slowly brings you out of your final stage, or REM, sleep. This helps you maintain optimal levels of cortisol for the day.